The use of bath salts during sports activities

  • The effect of relaxing baths
  • Relaxing bath recipes
  • How to take a bath correctly?
With the arrival of cold weather, the question of how to warm up and normalize your condition after a busy day at work becomes especially acute. You can wrap yourself in a blanket and drink a cup of hot tonic drink, or you can take a relaxing bath .

A properly prepared bath is a great way to not only relax and enjoy hot water, but also have a beneficial effect on your health and well-being.

The effect of relaxing baths

When we fill the bath with more warm water and plan to spend 15-20 minutes inside, we clearly pursue the goal of not just maintaining body hygiene - a shower is enough for this. We ideally attach a slightly different meaning to the bathing procedure. Yes, in the midst of a cold season, you can simply rush to warm up, but there is a blanket. What then? Relaxation, moments of relaxation, stress relief, when vanity and troubles remain, if not outside the doors of the house, then outside the doors of the bathroom. Relaxing baths are more appropriate than ever for both emotional and physical stress. A properly prepared relaxing bath can relieve the musculoskeletal system and relieve muscle tension. This alone would be enough to improve your mood and feel a surge of energy, but aromatic baths certainly affect our olfactory system. Indirectly, the procedure affects the nervous system and the emotional background - as a result, there will be no trace of minor stress. The effect of relaxing baths is not limited to this, but much depends on what exactly we add to the water.

Additives provide additional effects to the baths taken. They can both enhance the effect of water at the right temperature and perform a therapeutic or cosmetic effect. Among the main additives with a pronounced effect:

  • sea ​​salt - its granules will enhance the relaxing effect of water, relieve stress, and ensure the activation of metabolic processes; Sea salt can also boost immunity and speed up the healing process of minor skin damage;
  • soda - immersing the body in alkalizing water produces a beneficial cosmetic effect, and also has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes, the acid-base balance of the body, and has an antiseptic effect on minor skin lesions;
  • essential oils - in addition to the fact that the oil from a particular plant is endowed with special powers, they all have an additional cosmetic softening and nourishing effect on the skin; the desired therapeutic effect depends on the type of oil, for example, the following are popular:
  • pine essential oils - eucalyptus, pine, cedar
  • essential oils of spices - cinnamon, cardamom, marjoram
  • mint flavors - peppermint, lemon balm,
  • citrus aromas - bergamot, orange, lemongrass and lemon itself,
  • tropical aromas - ylang-ylang, tea tree, sandalwood;
  • bubble bath is a cosmetic product, some types of which can be created on the basis of natural extracts, while others are designed purely to soften tap water, nourish the skin, provide a great smell, and perform an aromatherapy effect;
  • herbal decoctions and infusions - again, much depends on the chosen plant, but preference is given to those groups of medicinal flora that soothe, relieve nervous and physical stress, eliminate minor cosmetic defects (rashes, abrasions, dry skin, etc.), improve health and generally have a pronounced healing effect.
  • Immersing the body in warm water relieves tension and restores strength. In order not to awaken chronic diseases, monitor the temperature of the water and the additives used to it. Hypotensive and hypertensive patients and other people with diseases of the cardiovascular system should be treated with special caution when using relaxing baths. And the point here is not so much in the components chosen for the bath, but in the temperature of the water. If a person without any special health complaints is allowed relaxing baths with water up to 40°C (hotter ones are for everyone, but not recommended by doctors), then in case of any ailments of the cardiac and circulatory systems, it is better not to take water with a temperature above human temperature - 35-37 °C.

    Relaxing baths are contraindicated when body temperature rises.

    The best tonic bath salts

    To give the product a tonic effect, manufacturers add citrus, rosemary or eucalyptus oils to the salt.

    Dr. Sea Dead Sea Salt

    5

    ★★★★★

    editorial assessment

    97%

    buyers recommend this product

    Dead Sea Salt Dr. Sea contains no artificial colors, fragrances or other additives. The product can not only be added to the bath, but also used for wraps, inhalations, rinses, compresses or cryomassage.

    Flawlessly pure crystals have a uniform appearance and the same size. There is no dirt, pebbles or other impurities in the composition. This provides comfort and gentle exfoliation of dead skin cells while taking a bath. Salt removes toxins, tones the skin, eliminates mild inflammation and allergic reactions.

    Pros:

    • natural composition;
    • no impurities or dirt;
    • delicately removes the stratum corneum of the skin;
    • Suitable for various cosmetic procedures.

    Minuses:

    • You need to strictly follow the rate of addition to the water so that it does not sting the skin.

    All brand cosmetics are made according to cosmetic formulas developed in Israeli laboratories and contain only natural ingredients. Each product is certified in accordance with international quality standards.

    Beauty Cafe SPA "Cote d'Azur"

    4.9

    ★★★★★

    editorial assessment

    94%

    buyers recommend this product

    Sea bath salt at the Beauty Cafe SPA has a natural composition and energizes you. The product has a pronounced aroma, thanks to which it replaces an aroma diffuser in the bathroom. The crystals are painted in a pleasant turquoise hue, but the pigment does not remain on the plumbing fixtures.

    The product improves skin tone, nourishes and saturates the body with useful microelements. Green tea extract is a natural antioxidant that slows down the aging process of the dermis. Avocado oil nourishes and deeply moisturizes, while frangipani extract softens and rejuvenates the skin.

    Pros:

    • gives tone, softens and moisturizes the skin;
    • invigorating aroma of green tea;
    • natural composition.

    Minuses:

    • unsealed packaging.

    A bath with sea salt from the Beauty Cafe seems to transport you to the seashore and helps you restore strength after a hard day.

    Eco Laboratorie “Tonic”

    4.8

    ★★★★★

    editorial assessment

    92%

    buyers recommend this product

    Toning bath salt from Eco Laboratorie consists of 99% plant ingredients. The formula excludes parabens or silicones. In combination with other products, it helps get rid of cellulite and even out skin texture.

    Natural sea salt is supplemented with macadamia oil, which deeply moisturizes and softens the epidermis, removes flaking and dryness, and also has a refreshing and tonic effect. Grapeseed oil is a natural antioxidant. Acai berry extract destroys free radicals, protects tissues from the harmful effects of the environment, and stimulates cell renewal.

    Pros:

    • natural composition;
    • tones the skin;
    • fights epidermal irregularities;
    • removes dryness and flaking.

    Minuses:

    • not everyone likes a too intense aroma;

    Many customers use Eco Laboratorie salt not to add to their bath, but to make a scalp scrub. As a result of this procedure, microcirculation at the roots improves and hair growth accelerates.

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    Relaxing bath recipes

    The healing effect of simple water at the right temperature on the human body was noticed by our ancestors a long time ago. Even in ancient cultures, natural and mineral waters were supplemented with components with more pronounced effects. And then it was possible not only to warm up or wash, but also to thoroughly relax, activate microcirculation in the body, normalize metabolic processes, and put the emotional and psychological background in order.

    Today, recipes for relaxing baths continue to be improved and new ones added. You can come up with your own recipe, based on the therapeutic and cosmetic properties of a particular product, and its combination with other components.

    As an example for those who do not want to experiment and are accustomed to trusting only proven recipes, we offer the following combinations:

    • decoctions for relaxing baths
    • 3 parts valerian horse, 2 parts calamus rhizome, 1 part swollen seeds - 2 tbsp. the resulting mixture is brewed with 1-2 liters of boiling water, infused for up to half an hour, after which the infusion is poured into a warm bath;
    • pour 1 handful of linden blossom and chamomile into the bath;
    • combine in equal parts arnica, rosemary, sage, lavender, linden, elderberry, yarrow, raspberry and strawberry leaves, birch leaves - brew a handful of the resulting mixture with several liters of boiling water, keep on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, after which the infusion is poured into warm bath;
    • Place 400-500 grams of pine or spruce needles (can be together with small twigs) in a large saucepan, add water, bring to a boil, pour the resulting broth into a warm bath;
  • essential oils - to be added to a relaxing bath, they require a so-called emulsifier, in which they are dissolved and then poured into water; emulsifier is cream, milk or whey
    • per glass of emulsifier, 5 drops of neroli oils + ylang-ylang + bitter orange + magnolia;
    • per glass of emulsifier: 5 drops of spruce and tea tree, 3 drops of marjoram, 2 drops of anise;
    • per glass of emulsifier: 6 drops of vanilla oil, 5 drops of sandalwood oil, 4 drops of geranium oil;
  • bran - goes well with milk and honey; 1 kg of bran is boiled in 2 liters of milk with the addition of 1 tbsp. honey, remove the pan from the heat when the mass begins to turn into a kind of jelly;
  • milk and honey - if there is no bran, then the effect of combining a liter of milk with a few tablespoons of natural honey will be sufficient; this is not only a way to relieve tension, but also stimulates the body with the biologically active components of honey;
  • natural juice - all the power of vitamins from vegetables and fruits will be an excellent addition to the relaxing effect of a warm bath; choose any available berries, fruits, vegetables; 1-2 glasses of juice will be enough for one bath;
  • egg - or rather the yolk of a chicken egg, beat it with a whisk, mix with 30 ml of shower gel or bath foam, add a little vanillin; the resulting mixture should be poured in a thin stream under the running water that fills the bath; the resulting foam will combine the power of natural ingredients and bath cosmetics.
  • What effect does a salt bath have on muscles?

    After the training process, the healing effects of a salt bath for muscles and joints are extremely necessary. First of all, water procedures remove discomfort associated with cardio and strength training. The Salt Of The Earth product promotes the rapid healing of microtraumas and the removal of excess lactate (lactic acid) from the body, and prevents the destruction of muscle fibers.

    Salt from Epsom.pro has a bactericidal and antiseptic effect, which helps eliminate inflammatory skin diseases - acne, acne. Also, a salt bath will help with psoriatic and eczematous rashes.

    Water procedures with Salt Of The Earth products are used for weight loss: microelements of salt remove toxins through the pores, restoring metabolic processes. The anti-cellulite effect of the natural product is also associated with cleansing. The skin becomes smooth, soft and velvety, like a baby's. Its relief improves.

    The product does not cause negative reactions from the body, therefore it is suitable for allergy sufferers and children.

    The exception is individual intolerance to the listed types of salt.

    How to take a bath correctly?

    What makes a relaxing bath not a banal washing procedure, but an anti-stress and healing procedure? It is not quite enough to simply fill the bath with water and add the active substance. Attention should be paid to the water temperature, the atmosphere, and your general well-being:

    aroma

    • Good timing. A relaxing bath should hardly be in the morning, when an invigorating shower is more appropriate. A warm bath is a great prelude to a night's rest. At the same time, please note that at least two hours pass from the last meal to immersion in water.
    • Comfortable temperature in the bathroom. Some people like hot water, but different temperatures have different consequences. If you need a deep effect of substances dissolved in water on the skin and circulatory system, choose a hot bath. But if you are pursuing the goal of relaxation and rest, do not create stress in your body with high levels. In a relaxing bath, the water temperature should be approximately equal to body temperature, maybe a degree more. And by all means, in any case, monitor your well-being, take into account individual health indicators (for example, high blood pressure will be a contraindication to hot baths).
    • Comfortable room temperature. An important nuance is not only the temperature of the water, but also the temperature of the room where you will find yourself after the bath. That’s why a bath is more appropriate in the evening, because it will be beneficial for the body to warm up and relax under a warm blanket, and there is no need to rush into the cold frosty air. If you need to take a bath two hours after a hearty dinner, then at least two hours before going outside, if that is foreseen.
    • Maximum effect of the active substance. Whatever acts as the main agent - essential oils, herbal infusions, clay, salt - its effect occurs primarily through the skin, and then through the respiratory system, nerve receptors, etc. Therefore, before taking a bath, treat your skin - wash in the shower, and, if possible, perform a peeling procedure.
    • Relaxing atmosphere. Although the main effect is on the body, what we see around us, what aromas we inhale, plays an important role. Make sure you create the right atmosphere to ensure your relaxing bath reaches its full potential. Use the scent of incense, dim candlelight, and pleasant music, such as “sounds of nature,” instead of languid silence. And sometimes silence is just right. Also, successfully combine incense with those aromas that may have been dissolved in the water. Instead of sugary oriental sticks, prefer, for example, aroma lamps with the same essential oils dissolved in water. And if you are preparing a decoction of inflorescences, do not strain it - this will add ambience.
    • Do not overdo the duration of the procedure. A relaxing bath should not last more than 20 minutes. This is enough time for the main components of the bath to reveal their potential. Don't assume that the hotter the bath, the longer it will take to cool down and the longer you can take it. Quite the opposite - it has a more pronounced effect, which should not last longer than 10-15 minutes. 15-20 minutes is also a considerable period of time for water procedures, so make sure that nothing interrupts your relaxation. If, due to circumstances, you spend only 5-7 minutes in the water, the effect of essential oils or herbal decoctions will not have time to happen.

    Conducted research

    To begin with, they conducted a serious meta-analysis, examining the results of more than 5 thousand studies on possible interactions between sleep and body temperature. During the course of this work, one interesting detail was revealed: it turns out that the main regulator of body temperature, the hypothalamus, approximately an hour and a half before sleep, reduces it by 0.2-0.3 ° C.

    According to scientists, in this way it slows down the metabolism and sends a signal to the body that it is time to reduce activity and prepare for rest. At the same time, various biologically active substances are released into the blood, including the sleep hormone.

    The researchers decided to find out what would happen if at this moment the body’s plans were disrupted and the body was artificially heated, which is easiest to do with hot water. The experiment involved several hundred volunteers who took a hot bath with a water temperature of 40-42°C an hour or two before bedtime.

    The process of going to sleep was monitored by special equipment. The time of falling asleep, the number of awakenings, the relationship between different phases of sleep and its total duration were assessed. It turned out that the bath helps speed up the process of falling asleep by 10 minutes, extend the total duration of sleep by about half an hour , which is especially important for those who suffer from insomnia, and also increase the number of slow-wave sleep phases considered more “restful .

    More on the topic:

    • How to get rid of insomnia at home: simple rules
    • Meditation is good for sound sleep
    • Why do people have dreams: reasons, functions, interesting facts
    • Lullabies: why they are needed and the history of their origin
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